Liverpool are set to beat the likes of Manchester United and Juventus to the signing of AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, according to sources in France.

The Reds could have a £12m deal in place with Monaco to bring in Falcao on a season-long loan deal this year, with Brendan Rodgers identifying the Colombian international as the ideal replacement for Luis Suarez.

AC Milan star Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to Anfield in recent times, though it seems Falcao has become the club’s priority target upfront, and a move could now be edging closer to completion.

The 28-year-old has only been with Monaco for a year, but had been keen to secure a move to a bigger club after becoming unsettled in Ligue 1.